Trust forms the foundation of healthcare in small towns like Baird, and when that trust is broken through medical negligence, families deserve clear guidance to protect their rights and pursue full recovery. Medical errors create unexpected challenges from mounting medical expenses and lost income, to complex legal questions about accountability and compensation. These situations demand answers about what went wrong, who bears responsibility, and how to secure the resources needed for healing and financial stability.
Medical malpractice cases require skilled legal representation from someone who understands both the intricacies of medical law and the unique challenges faced by Texas families. Attorney Chaile Allen has dedicated 15 years to representing injury victims throughout West Texas, bringing a personalized approach to each case she handles. Our Baird personal injury law firm has what it takes to secure maximum compensation for your case.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient injury. This protects patients by holding doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other medical professionals responsible for negligent actions or omissions.
The standard of care is the level of care and treatment that a reasonably qualified medical professional would provide under similar circumstances. When providers fall below this standard and cause injury, they may be liable for damages. Examples of malpractice include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, failure to get informed consent, and delayed treatment.
Proving Medical Malpractice in Texas
Texas law requires specific elements to establish a medical malpractice claim. First, there must be a doctor-patient relationship, creating a duty of care. Second, the healthcare provider must have breached this duty by failing to satisfy the standard of care. Third, this breach must have directly caused the patient’s injury or worsened their condition.
Medical malpractice cases also require testimony from qualified medical professionals who explain the standard of care and how the defendant’s actions fell short. These cases often involve complex medical records, multiple healthcare providers, and substantial investigation to build a strong foundation for recovery.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases
Birth injuries are some of the most heartbreaking medical malpractice cases. When healthcare providers fail to properly monitor mothers and babies during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can be life-altering. Conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage may result from oxygen deprivation, delayed C-sections, or improper use of delivery tools.
Surgical errors occur during any type of procedure, from routine operations to complex surgeries. These mistakes may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside patients, damaging organs or nerves, or failing to prevent infections. Even minor surgical errors can have major consequences for patients and their families.
Medication errors affect thousands of patients each year. Doctors may prescribe the wrong medication or dosage, while pharmacists might fill prescriptions incorrectly. Nurses may administer drugs improperly or fail to monitor patients for adverse reactions. These mistakes can cause serious injuries, allergic reactions, or even death.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
When doctors fail to diagnose serious conditions like cancer, heart disease, or stroke, patients lose valuable treatment time. Early detection often means the difference between successful treatment and permanent disability or death. Similarly, misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatments, procedures, or medications that harm, rather than help patients.
